CM Calls for Peace Amid Political Row
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the clashes during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest in Delhi, asserting that while peaceful demonstrations are an essential part of democracy, violence cannot be accepted under any circumstances.
Responding to questions from reporters, Fadnavis said citizens have every right to protest peacefully but warned that public movements should not become a platform for unrest or destruction.
He stated, “Peaceful protests are a democratic right, but violence and deliberate unrest won’t be tolerated; some elements exploit protests for selfish gains; no government wants to baton-charge citizens.”
Political Debate Intensifies After Delhi Clashes
The Chief Minister’s remarks come after videos circulating on social media showed confrontations between security personnel and protesters during the CJP-led demonstration near Parliament. Some clips appeared to show police using force against demonstrators, while other visuals allegedly captured incidents of stone-pelting and violence from sections of the crowd.
The protest, organised over demands related to alleged examination irregularities, triggered heavy security deployment in central Delhi and quickly became the focus of a political confrontation between the ruling NDA and the Opposition.
Opposition Leaders Criticise Police Response
Several Opposition leaders questioned the handling of the protest and alleged that excessive force had been used against demonstrators.
NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule said peaceful protest is a constitutional right and argued that using force instead of engaging with protesters was unacceptable in a democracy.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also criticised the police action, describing the response as an attempt to suppress voices demanding accountability over examination-related issues.
Protesters Reportedly Hospitalised
Following the clashes, several protesters were reportedly injured and taken to hospitals for treatment. Images circulating online showed injured demonstrators receiving medical attention, although authorities and protest organisers have presented differing accounts regarding the events that led to the violence.
The incident has further intensified the political debate over the handling of student-led protests, with both the government and Opposition continuing to defend their respective positions as Parliament’s Monsoon Session proceeds.
1. What did Devendra Fadnavis say about the CJP protest?
He said peaceful protests are a democratic right but warned that violence and deliberate attempts to create unrest would not be tolerated.
2. Why did the CJP organise the protest?
The protest was held to raise demands related to alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET controversy, and to seek accountability from the government.
3. What happened during the Delhi protest?
Clashes reportedly broke out between protesters and security personnel near Parliament, with both sides making allegations regarding the violence.
4. Which Opposition leaders reacted to the incident?
Among those who criticised the police action were NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray.
5. Were people injured during the protest?
Yes. Reports indicated that several protesters sustained injuries during the clashes and were admitted to hospitals for treatment.
